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About MGW Law Partners

MGW Law Partners is a full-service law firm in Fayetteville, Arkansas, built from the merger of three established Northwest Arkansas legal practices: Merryman Law Firm, the Law Office of Darren Gibbs, and The Law Offices of Watson and Watson. Founded in 2016 and backed by more than 45 years of combined legal experience, our team of six licensed Arkansas attorneys represents individuals, families, and businesses across every major area of law — under one roof, with one consistent standard of excellence.

We serve clients throughout Northwest Arkansas — including Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, Bella Vista, and Fort Smith — and statewide across Arkansas for appellate, estate planning, and select litigation matters. Our office is located at 3729 N. Crossover Suite #111, Fayetteville, AR 72703.

Every client at MGW Law Partners works directly with the attorney handling their matter. Not a paralegal. Not an intake coordinator. A licensed Arkansas attorney who knows your case, knows your name, and is prepared to fight for your outcome. Learn more about our firm.

Meet Our Attorneys

Six experienced attorneys. One firm. Every area of law you need.

At MGW Law Partners, you will always know exactly who is handling your case — and exactly why they are qualified to do it. View all attorney profiles.

Buffie B. Merryman — Attorney & Founding Partner

A lifelong Northwest Arkansas resident, Buffie Merryman graduated cum laude from the University of Arkansas, earned a master’s degree in communication, and built a career at a world-renowned advertising agency before attending the University of Arkansas School of Law. She focused on criminal law, family law, and trial techniques — and later taught Legal Communication at the university. Her practice is built on one conviction: people who have been wronged deserve a tireless advocate.

Practice Focus:  Criminal Law · Family Law · Trial Advocacy · Child Advocacy 

• J.D. — University of Arkansas School of Law
• M.A. in Communication — University of Arkansas
• B.A. cum laude — University of Arkansas
• Former Legal Communication Instructor — University of Arkansas
• Founding Partner — Merryman Law Firm

Darren Gibbs — Attorney & Founding Partner

A Fayetteville native, Darren Gibbs earned his J.D. from the University of Arkansas School of Law (Dean’s List, Board of Advocates), studied International Law at the University of Cambridge, and worked in corporate compliance at Walmart before founding his own firm. He is admitted to U.S. Federal Court in both Arkansas districts and is a member of the Arkansas and Washington County Bar Associations. His practice covers real estate, family law, business formation, contract disputes, and personal injury.

Practice Focus:  Personal injury · Civil litigation · Business law · Estate Planning · Landlord Services · Probate

• J.D. — University of Arkansas School of Law (Dean’s List • Board of Advocates)
• International Law — University of Cambridge
• B.A. cum laude, Political Science — Centenary College of Louisiana
• Member: Arkansas Bar Association • Washington County Bar Association
• Admitted: Arkansas State Courts • U.S. Federal Court, Eastern & Western Districts of Arkansas
• Former Corporate Compliance — Walmart

Tim Watson Jr. — Attorney & Founding Partner

A graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law (visiting year at UT Austin), Tim Watson Jr. is licensed in Arkansas, California, and all U.S. federal districts. Since returning to Arkansas in 2011, he has built a recognized specialization in civil litigation, contract disputes, and personal injury — resolving dozens of cases in and out of the courtroom. He has appeared as a featured legal commentator on KNWA News and is one of Northwest Arkansas’s most recognized trial attorneys.

Practice Focus:  Civil Litigation · Personal Injury · Contract Disputes · Construction Disputes · Trial Advocacy

• J.D. — University of Arkansas School of Law
• Visiting Year — University of Texas at Austin School of Law
• Licensed: Arkansas • California • All U.S. Federal Districts
• Featured Legal Commentator — KNWA News
• Co-Founder — The Law Offices of Watson and Watson

Kelsey Broaddrick — Attorney

Kelsey Broaddrick focuses her practice on family law — divorce, child custody, and family advocacy. Known for clear communication and thorough preparation, she fights for outcomes that protect families and children. Kelsey has been featured in the MGW media series discussing her approach to family law representation in Northwest Arkansas.

Practice Focus:  Family Law · Divorce · Child Custody · Family Advocacy

• Licensed: Arkansas State Courts
• Featured: MGW Law Partners Media Series — Family Law & Child Advocacy

Tim F. Watson, Sr. — Attorney

Tim F. Watson, Sr. co-founded The Law Offices of Watson and Watson and brings decades of Arkansas courtroom and negotiation experience to MGW Law Partners. His deep familiarity with the local legal landscape, courts, and client relationships makes him one of the most seasoned attorneys in Northwest Arkansas.

Practice Focus:  Civil Litigation · Estate Planning · General Practice

• Decades of licensed practice in Arkansas state courts
• Co-Founder — The Law Offices of Watson and Watson

Brandon Sears — Attorney

Brandon Sears is a sharp, client-focused advocate whose approach to every matter reflects the MGW standard: direct communication, thorough preparation, and relentless advocacy. He has been featured in the MGW media series representing the firm’s commitment to compassionate legal representation.

Practice Focus:  Civil Litigation · Client Advocacy

• Licensed: Arkansas State Courts
• Featured: MGW Law Partners Media Series — Compassionate Client Representation

→ Full attorney profiles, photos, and direct contact information: mgwfirm.com/attorneys

In the Media

MGW Law Partners attorneys are not just practitioners — they are recognized voices on Arkansas law.

Our attorneys have been featured in news coverage and have produced an extensive library of educational legal content covering everything from car accident rights to estate planning, construction disputes, family law, and AI’s impact on the legal system. View the full media library.

News Media Features

• KNWA News (NBC affiliate, Northwest Arkansas) — Tim Watson Jr. interviewed on Arkansas car accident law and client rights following auto accidents
• Published legal articles in Arkansas Bar Association member publications — Tim Watson Jr. (Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 editions)

Educational Video Content — 30+ Videos Published

MGW Law Partners attorneys have produced more than 30 educational videos covering key legal topics for Northwest Arkansas residents, including:

• AI & the Law: Fayetteville Attorney Explains Legal Risks
• Buffie Merryman Explains the Ad Litem Role in Family Law & Custody Cases
• Holiday Toy Safety: Common Injuries, Recalls, and When to Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
• Fayetteville Family Law Attorney Explains Thanksgiving Custody Arrangements
• What Is Estate Planning? Wills, Trusts & Probate — Darren Gibbs Explains
• Kelsey Broaddrick: Family Law Attorney Helping Families in Northwest Arkansas
• PFAS Class Action Lawsuit — How to Join the Forever Chemicals Lawsuit
• Preparing for Your First Court Appearance: Tips from MGW Law Partners
• Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Arkansas: Tim Watson, Attorney at Law
• Automobile Accidents: Car, Motorcycle, Truck & Vehicles — Tim Watson Jr. Explains Your Options
• Plus 20+ additional videos on contract disputes, criminal defense, real estate, wills, landlord rights, and more

Why Clients Choose MGW Law Partners

Founded in 2016. More than 45 years of combined legal experience. Six attorneys. One unwavering standard.

• Full-service firm: one relationship covers every legal need — no referrals, no hand-offs to outside counsel for related matters
• Born from three respected firms: Merryman Law, Darren Gibbs Law, and Watson & Watson merged to build something stronger than any single practice
• Direct attorney access: you work with a licensed Arkansas attorney, not a paralegal or case manager, from day one through resolution
• 45+ years of combined legal experience: across personal injury, family law, criminal defense, real estate, business law, estate planning, construction litigation, and appellate practice
• Federal court capability: Darren Gibbs and Tim Watson Jr. are both admitted to U.S. Federal Court — Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas, and all federal districts nationally
• Google Guaranteed: independently verified for professional licensing, background screening, and client satisfaction — backed by a 9-star rating across 58 Google reviews
• Recognized in the media: KNWA News features and Arkansas Bar Association publications demonstrate third-party recognition of our attorneys’ expertise — see our media library
• 30+ educational videos: our attorneys invest time educating the community — because informed clients make better decisions and get better outcomes — watch on our media page
• Community roots: Buffie Merryman is a lifelong Northwest Arkansas resident; Darren Gibbs is a Fayetteville native — this is our home, not just our market
• Free consultations: every new client receives a free initial consultation — no cost, no obligation, no pressure — schedule yours here

Serving Northwest Arkansas and All of Arkansas

MGW Law Partners represents clients across Northwest Arkansas and statewide. Wherever your legal matter arises in Arkansas, we are ready to help.

Primary Service Cities

• Fayetteville, AR —  Washington County — Firm Headquarters · 3729 N. Crossover Suite #111
• Springdale, AR —  Washington & Benton Counties
• Rogers, AR —  Benton County
• Bentonville, AR —  Benton County Seat
• Bella Vista, AR —  Benton County
• Fort Smith, AR —  Sebastian & Crawford Counties

All of Northwest Arkansas

We represent clients throughout all of Northwest Arkansas, including every community in Washington County and Benton County. Our Fayetteville office is centrally positioned to serve the entire region efficiently. Whether you need a personal injury attorney in Rogers, a car accident lawyer in Springdale, or a medical malpractice attorney in Bella Vista, MGW Law Partners is your firm.

All of Arkansas — Statewide Service

For appellate law, wills and estate planning, probate, and select civil litigation matters, MGW Law Partners represents clients anywhere in Arkansas. Distance is not a barrier. Call us to discuss your matter regardless of where you are located.

Not sure if we serve your area? Call 479.521.7050 — we will give you a straight answer, and if we cannot help directly, we will point you in the right direction.

Full Service Law Firm – Frequently Asked Questions